Villa Pisani, Stra

Great visit when near Venice

5 Things To Do Along The Amalfi Coast

Visiting the Amalfi coast of Italy? It’s quite a long and spectacular stretch of Mediterranean coastline, so figuring out where to go and what to see can be a little overwhelming.

Everyone has favorite towns along the Amalfi coast (whether Amalfi or Positano, Ravello or Salerno). Where you choose to stay and spend your time depends on what you’re looking for. But as far as specific sights and attractions go, here are five suggestions.

Villa Cimbrone, Ravello

Ravello’s Villa Cimbrone, a top sight on the Amalfi coast

The tiny town of Ravello, sitting more than a kilometer above the Mediterranean, an Amalfi coast must-see. The views are spectacular, and a summer concert series makes the town unmissable for any music lover.
But within Ravello, one of our favorite attractions is the Villa Cimbrone; dating back to the 11th century, the villa, now a hotel, has gorgeous gardens that are open to the public. We promise, you haven’t seen views like this before.

Duomo, Amalfi Town

The Duomo of Amalfi

Most visitors to Amalfi Town pay a visit to the town’s towering Duomo—and with reason. The cathedral purportedly has the remains of St. Andrew the Apostle, which were brought to Amalfi from Constantinople during the Crusades. Regardless of whether you believe in the relics’ origins, the cathedral is a must-see. Don’t miss its elaborate bronze doors, cast in Constantinople in the 11th century, or the 9th-century Basilica of the Crucifix next door.

Spiaggia di Laurito, Positano

Forget what you’ve heard about the Amalfi coast’s beautiful beaches: Because the coastline here is steep and rocky, the town beaches tend to be tiny, packed, and not that nice. Enter Spiaggia di Laurito, a hidden gem located 2 miles from the center of Positano. Yes, the beach is still tiny, and rocky. But it’s a cove, so well-protected, and much less crowded than the central town beaches. Plus, it’s beautiful. And Da Adolfo, the restaurant here, is excellent.

You can get to the beach by boat or by bus. The shuttle boat leaves from Positano’s main port. Be warned that by bus, it’s a steep hike down, and therefore also back up, from the stop to the beach.

Castello di Arechi, Salerno

Salerno’s medieval Arechi castle

Located at the opposite end of the SITA bus line from Sorrento (or an easy train ride from Rome or Naples), is Arechi Castle. Perched up on a hill, this 8th-century fortification boasts gorgeous views of Salerno and the Mediterranean. There’s also a museum inside with finds from the castle, like medieval coins and ceramics. And the summer sometimes sees concerts hosted here.

Sentiero degli Dei, Amalfi coast

Sentiero degli Dei, or “God’s Trail,” on the Amalfi coast

The Sentiero degli Dei, or “Trail of the Gods,” is a must-see! This path starts in Bomerano, a village in the mountains between Sorrento and Amalfi. Over the 4.5 or so hours of hiking, you’ll see vineyards, caves, a gorge, and breathtaking views. It’s also a great way to get away from the tourist crowds in the towns (although, of course, the path does get crowded in high season).

Indoor Climbing Gyms in Italy, A Starter List

During the winter season you may be traveling in Italy and want to visit a indoor climbing gym.  Here is a starter list of gyms throughout Italy.  To find more Indoor Gyms Italy.

A1 Climbing Reggio Emilia, Italy Address:  Via Candelù 3 42123 Reggio Emilia Italy Phone: 0039328702236 Email: andrea@a1climbing.com Url: http://www.a1climbing.com One of the more modern bouldering and climbing gyms in Italy. asd GEKO modena, Italy Address:  Via Monsignor della Valle 41100 modena Italy Phone: Email: info@gekoclimb.com Url: http://www.gekoclimb.com l Mondo Vertigine Imperia, Italy Address:  Via De Marchi 50 18100 Imperia Italy Phone: 0039 3476068401 Email: mattia.novaro@gmail.com Url: http://www.mondovertigine.com Cubo Jesi, Italy Address:  Strada statale della Val d'Esino / Svincolo Jesi Centro 60035 Jesi Italy Phone: +393282652387 Email: Url: http://www.facebook.com/ilcubo a.s.d. VERTICAL PARK ROMA, Italy Address:  VIA SASSONEGRO 88 00169 ROMA Italy Phone: 3394282167 Email: ROMAVERTICALPARK@GMAIL.COM Url: http://www.verticalpark.it/ Le Vele CHIUSA DI PESIO (CN), Italy Address:  Via Paschero Sottano 54 12013 CHIUSA DI PESIO (CN) Italy Phone: Email: lucamac81@gmail.com Url: http://www.inoutclimbing.com/ The climbing gym is open monday to friday 18.00-23.00. Very low prices. Asd Climb Project Foggia, Italy Address:  Via Napoli 109 71122 Foggia Italy Phone: Email: segreteria@climbproject.it Url: http://www.facebook.com/Climbp Tacche e Svasi Perugia, Italy Address:  Via armando Diaz 06100 Perugia Italy Phone: Email: Url: http://www.taccheesvasi.it/sit passaggio obbligato milano, Italy Address:  via degli imbriani 17 20158 milano Italy Phone: 02-39325079 mobile: 338-2126648 Email: passaggiobbligato@passaggiobbligato.it Url: http://www.passaggiobbligato.it Passaggio Obbligato is the first climbing gym in Milan. With 300 square meters of climbing walls and more than 2500 holds, a shop with the leading brands and a super cool and exciting atmosphere Passaggio Obbligato is the place to be for climbing in Milan. Camping and Sport Centre Pradasc Lanzada, Italy Address:  Via Ganda 1 23020 Lanzada Italy Phone: +39 3474687105 Email: ivanpeg@gmail.com Url: http://www.pradasc.com X-DOME Climbing Park L'Aquila, Italy Address:  Via Mausonia 60 67100 L'Aquila Italy Phone: 3479256946 Email: xdomeweb@gmail.com Url: http://www.x-dome.it Gravità Zero Trieste, Italy Address:  Via alle Cave 55 34128 Trieste Italy Phone: +39040571200 Email: Url: http://www.gravitazerotrieste. King Rock Verona Palazzina - Verona, Italy Address:  Via CA' di MAZZE' 21 37134 Palazzina - Verona Italy Phone: +39045582569 Email: info@kingrock.it Url: http://www.kingrock.it/ Arterisko climbing factory Macerata, Italy Address:  C.da Fontezucca, 30 62100 Macerata Italy Phone: +39 335 366384 Email: info@arterisko.com Url: http://www.arterisko.com Nordic Arena Dobbiaco, Italy Address:  Via Lago 39034 Dobbiaco Italy Phone: +39 0474 976303 Email: info@nordicarena-dobbiaco.it Url: http://www.nordicarena-toblach Sportler Climbing Center Silea - TV, Italy Address:  Via Combattenti Alleati, 1 31057 Silea - TV Italy Phone: 0422362475 Email: info@sportlerclimbingcenter.com Url: http://www.sportlerclimbingcen Palestra della Comunità Montana del Lario Orientale Lecco, Italy Address:  Via Carlo Mauri 23900 Lecco Italy Phone: Email: info@ragnilecco.com Url: http://www.ragnilecco.com/page Palestra Gamma/Uoei Lecco, Italy Address:  Corso Promessi Sposi 23/n 23900 Lecco Italy Phone: 0341 494772 Email: info@gamma-lecco.eu Url: http://www.gamma-lecco.eu/tutt Tuscia Verticale - Gymnica Climb Viterbo, Italy Address:  Via Genova 23 01100 Viterbo Italy Phone: 0761 - 342761 Email: info@tusciaverticale.it Url: http://www.tusciaverticale.it Dimensione Verticale La Spezia, Italy Address:  Via della pianta 19100 La Spezia Italy Phone: Email: emanuele.stefanemoz1@alice.it Url: http://www.scuoladiarrampicata Boulderhalle Olang Olang BZ, Italy Address:  Bahnhofstraße 39030 Olang BZ Italy Phone: Email: Url: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v K2indoor Putignano, Italy Address:  via Mummolo Z.ind 70100 Putignano Italy Phone: 0802377097 Email: info@k2indoor.it Url: http://www.k2indoor.it PARETI SPORT CENTER SAN PANCRAZIO -PARMA, Italy Address:  VIA MAGANI 14 43016 SAN PANCRAZIO -PARMA Italy Phone: 0521647136 Email: pareti@pareti.it Url: http://www.pareti.it The first big climbing sport center of the whole country. 15 mtrs high, leading, top roping, toppas available from 3 to 8b range. More than 1000m square of climbing, with a huge bouldering area (5 mtrs high). Courses for all ages and level. Pan Gullich, campus boards, gym machines included. The center is open 365 days-a-year, all day long (10-22.30), (10-19 saturday and sunday). A.s.d. el cap L'Aquila, Italy Address:  Località Centi Colella 67100 L'Aquila Italy Phone: 3403882922 Email: info@elcapaq.it Url: http://www.elcapaq.it Equilibri Precari Pisa, Italy Address:  via Battisti 51/633 56100 Pisa Italy Phone: Email: info@equilibriprecari.it Url: http://www.equilibriprecari.it Torta 33 Piacenza, Italy Address:  via Torta 33 29100 Piacenza Italy Phone: 349-3285447 Email: info@macaco.tv Url: http://www.macaco.tv Via Baldovinetti 1a Firenze, Italy Address:  Via Baldovinetti 1a 50143 Firenze Italy Phone: 3287367273 Email: info@stonemonkey.it Url: http://www.stonemonkey.it Enrico da Monza 6 Monza, Italy Address:  Milano 20052 Monza Italy Phone: 3477344378 Email: info@climbernei.it Url: http://www.climbernei.it/ Vertigoclimb.com Pollenzo, Bra (Cuneo), Italy Address:  Str. Crociera Burdina, 5C 12060 Pollenzo, Bra (Cuneo) Italy Phone: 328 5825311 Email: info@vertigoclimb.com Url: http://www.vertigoclimb.com SASP torino torino, Italy Address:  corso tazzoli 78 10100 torino Italy Phone: Email: webmaster@arrampicata.com Url: http://www.arrampicata.com Roma Center Climb Rome, Italy Address:  Via Edoardo Maragliano 5 00152 Rome Italy Phone: +39 06 77207246 Email: nask0@libero.it Url: http://www.romacenterclimb.it Fantasyclimbing Milan, Italy Address:  Via Luchino del Maino 7, Milano, 20146 Milan Italy Phone: +39 348 8701626 Email: roberto@fantasyclimbing.com Url: http://www.fantasyclimbing.com

Milan’s Last Supper How To See

Milan’s Last Supper How To See

Milan’s Last Supper, a Renaissance masterpiece in Milan

You cannot visit Milan without visiting Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper, one of the world’s most renowned  works of art. Admiring this masterpiece is a unique experiene, but it’s not something you can do last-minute!
There are 4 things you should know before planning your trip to the Last Supper in Milan!

The Last Supper isn’t in a museum, but a church…

The Last Supper is not located in a museum: It’s in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church and convent. The work (located in the dining room!) was commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, and was believed to be completed between 1495 – 1498.

Getting to Santa Maria delle Grazie is easy! Take the red MM1 subway line to the Conciliazione stop or the green MM2 to Cadorna,where you will see directions for the “Cenacolo Vinciano.” From there, follow the populated Corso Magenta street to the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. The Last Supper can also be reached from the Stazione Centrale (Central Station) with five stops on the green line, or by a 20-minute walk from the Duomo.

Santa Maria delle Grazie, the home of the famed Last Supper

The Last Supper is a painting, not a fresco…

Da Vinci painted the large 15ft-by-29ft piece directly on drywall. That means it’s technically not a fresco (which would be painted on wet plaster).

Da Vinci took the unique step of laying pitch, gesso and mastic on the wall, then painting with tempera over the painting.  This a method that meant the painting started decaying within years of being finished.

You have to buy Last Supper tickets in advance…

Nope, you can’t just stroll in to see the Last Supper: Instead, tickets must be reserved. Ticket dates are released approximately four months in advance and can be purchased online or by phone at +39 0292 800360. The cost is 6.50 euro, plus a 1.50 euro service charge.

Appointments can be scheduled Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15am to 6:45pm. It is  highly suggest booking as early as possible to guarantee admittance to one of history’s most important works of art! And if you’re booking last minute or can’t find tickets for your desired date, there may be a chance at organizing a visit! We suggest periodically checking the website or calling the hotline to snag tickets from a canceled group or individual reservations. Tickets are sometimes for sale the same morning by waiting in line before the first appointment at 8:15AM, but are rarely available.

Donato Montorfano’s Crucifixion, displayed across from the Last Supper.

You have only 15 minutes to admire Da Vinci’s work.

No matter how far in advance you book, you’ll still have only 15 minutes in front of the painting. That’s not much when it comes to observing one of the Renaissance’s most famous works (not to mention one that has launched countless conspiracy theories, movies, and novels!).

To make the most of your time, consider booking a private tour, which lets you experience the painting with an art history expert to bring it to life. And whether you go with a guide or not, make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled time (any late visitors will not be allowed entrance!).

Also, remember that large bags are not permitted in the museum area of the church and appropriate clothing (shoulders and knees covered) should be worn during the visit. Photographs are strictly forbidden to preserve the delicate painting.